Society's "Hong Kong Breakfast" to explore business openings
26 Jun 09
International development strategy begins to bear fruit
Business opportunities in Hong Kong will be the focus for several of Scotland’s commercially and internationally focused legal firms, at a Law Society of Scotland breakfast briefing next week.
The event, at the Society’s offices at 26 Drumsheugh Gardens on Tuesday, 30 June, is part of the Society’s international development strategy, which will offer support to members in identifying overseas opportunities and attracting new business to Scotland. It results from links made during the Society’s attendance at the Commonwealth Law Conference in Hong Kong in April.
Mr Gregory So, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development in Hong Kong will speak at the event about the economic strengths and outlook of Hong Kong, especially in the midst of the economic crisis; and the economic relationship with mainland China under the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and what opportunities it may offer for Scottish business and the legal profession.
An international financial centre, Hong Kong is both a vibrant market in its own right and gateway to the burgeoning Chinese economic area. Over 3,800 international companies have regional operations there. It also benefits from low and simple taxation, free trade and investment policies, and state of the art infrastructure and support services.
The breakfast will also feature a presentation giving some first hand practical advice on doing business in and with Hong Kong; and a networking session with Ms Adela Liew, the principal investment consultant of Invest Hong Kong, dealing with specific issues such as the support available to businesses interested in setting up in Hong Kong, or tax and regulatory implications.
Lorna Jack, the Society’s chief executive, said: “The idea for the breakfast briefing grew from our attendance at this year’s Commonwealth Law Conference as we were keen for our members to be able to find out more about the opportunities there are in Hong Kong and China and provide direct links for firms who may be interested in investment opportunities or potentially setting up offices there. There are already several UK legal firms using Hong Kong as a base for activity in the wider Asia Pacific market.
“There has been a great response and I would hope that it will help initiate new business opportunities for our members.”
A few places are still available and any legal firms interested should contact update@lawscot.org.uk